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DFLers push for bigger bonding bill

Democrats in the Minnesota House say they won't provide the votes needed to pass a bonding bill this session unless the list of construction projects grows significantly.

House Republicans are proposing a $280 million bonding bill, along with another separate $220 million bonding bill to renovate the State Capitol building. Both measures need a super majority of 81 votes to pass.

Democrats want a $775 million bill. DFL Minority Leader Paul Thissen of Minneapolis said Thursday that the state needs a bonding bill that is regionally balanced and robust.

"We have to have the conversation," Thissen said. "We need to have a bill that actually gets projects across the state that are the strategic objectives. Not from a political perspective, but from strategic objectives."

Rep. Larry Howes, R-Walker, the chair of the House Capital Investment Committee, warned that there might not be a bonding bill this session if DFLers insist on a bigger bill.